Beyond the Surface: Common Misconceptions Police Officers Have About FASD

In the world of law enforcement, understanding the diverse needs of our community is crucial. One area that often presents challenges is interacting with individuals who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Despite increasing awareness, several misconceptions persist among police officers. Let’s shed light on these misunderstandings to foster better interactions and outcomes.

1. Misinterpreting Behaviors

One of the most common misconceptions is viewing behaviors associated with FASD as intentional defiance or non-compliance. In reality, many of these behaviors stem from cognitive and developmental challenges inherent to the disorder. What may appear as willful disobedience could be a genuine struggle to process information or respond appropriately.

2. Assuming Understanding

It’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that individuals with FASD fully comprehend instructions, rights, or consequences when they nod or say “yes.” However, many affected individuals may have difficulty processing and truly understanding complex information, even if they appear to agree.

3. Expecting Age-Appropriate Responses

There’s often a disconnect between an individual’s physical age and their cognitive abilities. Officers may expect age-appropriate responses without realizing that the person’s mental age may be significantly younger than their chronological age.

4. Underestimating Prevalence

FASD is more common than many realize. Some estimates suggest it affects up to 5% of the population in North America. Officers may not be aware of how frequently they encounter individuals with FASD in their daily work.

5. Lack of Recognition

Without specialized training, officers may struggle to recognize the signs and symptoms of FASD. This can lead to misunderstandings and inappropriate responses during encounters.

6. Assuming Intentional Lying

When individuals with FASD provide inconsistent statements or confabulate (fill in memory gaps with fabricated information), it’s often misinterpreted as intentional lying. In reality, this is a common symptom of the disorder and not a deliberate attempt to deceive.

7. Expecting Punishment to be Effective

Traditional punitive approaches may not be effective for individuals with FASD. Many affected individuals struggle to connect actions with consequences, making typical disciplinary measures less impactful.

8. Misunderstanding Suggestibility

People with FASD are often highly suggestible, which can lead to false confessions or agreeing to statements that aren’t true. This vulnerability may not be well understood by officers during questioning or interviews.

Moving Forward

Recognizing these misconceptions is the first step toward more effective and compassionate policing when interacting with individuals who have FASD. Specialized training can help officers:

• Identify signs of FASD
• Adapt communication strategies
• Understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with FASD
• Develop appropriate intervention and support strategies

By addressing these misconceptions and promoting a deeper understanding of FASD, we can create safer, more positive outcomes for both law enforcement and the individuals they serve. Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s the power to make a real difference in our communities.d understanding any next steps you may need to take. Stay safe, know your rights, and don’t hesitate to advocate for your needs during law enforcement interactions.

TODAY’S NOTE: “When I was 17 my mom said I could have my last home birthday party. She limited the guests to 25 including my sister and myself. That sure did not seem like enough kids for me, so at work I made invitations and copied them 400 times. Then my sister and I passed them out on the city bus. When my mom found out she was speechless! And she asked if she could invite someone to my party… She invited the police to come at 8 pm and 10 pm and 11 pm and a make sure everyone is gone and the house was empty at midnight… We actually all behaved! – In Solidarity, Liz (1986-July 6, 2024)“